Matthew 5:39 Meaning and Explanation
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus teaches his followers not to repay evil but to respond with surprising gentleness.
What Does Matthew 5:39 Mean?
Against the impulse to retaliate, Jesus teaches a radical response: do not resist the evildoer in kind, but when struck on one cheek, turn the other also. The example pictures personal insult and injury, not the abolition of justice or law.
Jesus calls his followers to break the cycle of vengeance by refusing to return blow for blow. Such a response is not weakness but a strength that trusts God to be the judge. It mirrors the heart of Christ, who when reviled did not revile in return. By absorbing wrong rather than avenging it, the believer bears witness to a love that overcomes evil with good.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:39
What does Matthew 5:39 mean?
Jesus teaches his followers not to repay evil but to respond with surprising gentleness.